Gardaí in Westport raided a suspected 'shebeen' in Westport last Sunday night, January 3.
Acting on information received by the force and following enquiries as part of Operation Navigation, the Gardaí obtained a search warrant under Section 26 of the Intoxicating Liquor Act 1962.
They carried out the search of an outhouse at approximately 8.15pm and during the course of the execution of the warrant, Gardaí found a number of persons on the premises consuming alcohol and informed them that they were breaching current Covid-19 regulations in relation to indoor gatherings.
Following further inspections by the Gardaí - they located a fully equipped bar with taps for draught stout and lager along with a cooling unit under the counter, while barrels were kept outside in a deep freeze unit.
Gardaí also seized a sum of cash and documents, they also seized a significant amount of alcohol including cans, spirits and wine, along with barrels, glasses, beer taps and a cooling unit.
A full investigation is underway into the matter and a file is being prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions and they are appealing to anyone with information about the operation of illegal Shebeens to contact their local Garda Station.
In addition to potential criminal breaches by the operator, An Garda Síochána wants to remind every person of their social and personal responsibility not to frequent premises or engage in activity which is likely to contribute to the increasing spread of the Covid-19 virus.
An Garda Síochána stated: "The Covid-19 pandemic remains a public health crisis and a real threat to everyone, particularly the most vulnerable in our society. The virus is still spreading, it is still leading to serious illness and death. An Garda Síochána continues to appeal to all citizens to comply with Public Health Guidelines and Regulations in order to continue to save lives."
